Iowa Hero Academy held — This and more in this week's issue!

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Aug. 11-17, 2026

Parenting is a responsibility and a privilege

Parenting is the only job that has expectations that we know everything before we know anything. The hospital sends us home with a tiny human, a stack of paperwork and no instruction manual. We become responsible for keeping another person alive, teaching right from wrong, and helping with fourth-grade math. No pressure.

My first lesson of parenting was realizing just how enormous this responsibility really was. Jolene and I were not simply raising children. We were raising someone's future spouse, co-worker, neighbor, employer or employee. Most every lesson we taught our kids would surely show up decades later in someone else's life. That’s enough to make any parent lose sleep. Of course, toddlers usually take care of that part anyway.

The second lesson for me was that rules and consequences cannot be optional. Children need boundaries. They need to hear the word “no.” They need to understand that actions have consequences. A parent’s primary job is not to make the children happy every minute of every day. It is to prepare them for adulthood, where the boss will not accept, “I just wasn't feeling it today,” and the police officer will not overlook speeding because they had a rough morning. Children test limits. If parents do not establish those limits, the world eventually will, and the world is far less patient than Mom and Dad. That doesn’t mean parenting should resemble a boot camp. Hopefully, we laugh often. We continue to hug our kids. We celebrate their victories. But, we should also remember that saying “yes” all the time may be easy today but makes things more difficult tomorrow.

Then came the biggest lesson of all: Parenting never ends. When our children become adults, we imagine our work is finished. Instead, our roles simply change. We become a sounding board, a babysitter, a financial adviser who is ignored and an unpaid technician when the furnace quits working. We stop telling them when to be home but start worrying whether they made it home safely. We stop packing lunches but start praying they pack common sense. The sleepless nights become fewer, but the concerns never disappear.

Parenting is not measured by the years our children live under our roofs. It is measured by the lifetime they carry our love, our lessons and, if we did our jobs well, the little voices in their heads reminding them that someone is always cheering them on — and expecting them to make good choices.

That is certainly a responsibility and a privilege. And, unlike every other job in the world, it doesn’t comes with a retirement party.

Have a great week, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305

Iowa Hero Academy held

The Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District was represented by Battalion Chief Jessica Smith, Firefighter/Paramedic Samantha Hooper and Firefighter/EMT Taylor Mehmen at the 2026 Iowa Hero Academy. They helped mentor and inspire the next generation of public safety professionals.

The event provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young women to explore careers in public safety while developing leadership, teamwork, resilience and self-confidence. The event was held July 27–31 with 24 young women successfully completing the six-day residential academy.

First Baptist Church celebrates 175 years

The First Baptist Church of Johnston, 8250 N.W. 62nd Ave., is celebrating its 175th anniversary with special events this year. An all-church birthday party was held in May, and wedding memories were shared in June. In August, date to be determined, a bicycle ride is being held. Sept. 19 is the church’s The Gathering Heritage Dinner, and Sept. 20 is the worship service celebrating 175 years of God’s blessings.

Movies on the Yard

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and bring your favorite people along for a fun outdoor movie night, offered Thursdays, Aug. 20 and Sept. 10 at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road.

Movies on The Yard is free, so everyone in the community can join in on the summer fun. Movies will begin at 6:30 p.m. Featured are:

Aug. 20: “Cars 3”
Sept. 10: TBD

Museum open

The Johnston Historical Society 1902 Simpson House Museum, at 6161 Northglenn Drive in Johnston, will be open on the second Sunday of each month from 2-4 p.m. through December. Guided tours will be available. The museum is also open during Johnston Commons park events, including Sundae in the Park on Sunday, Aug. 2 from 6-8 p.m. The museum is also open by appointment. Email johnstonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call 515-330-0687 for an appointment.

Tunes at Twilight Concert Series

Tunes at Twilight, presented by The Cork 50131, will be held Thursdays, Aug. 13 and Sept. 24, from 6:30-9 p.m. featuring two acts each night. Admission is free, and no tickets are required for this event, held at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road. Bands featured are:

Aug. 13: Suede and Sons of Gladys Kravitz
Sept. 24: The Sheet and Damon Dotson

Sounds of Summer Concert Series

Come and be part of an exciting summer of music at The Yard Summer Concert Series presented by The Cork 50131. Concerts are Saturdays, July 25, Aug. 29 and Oct. 3, from 7-10 p.m. at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Featured are:

Aug. 29: Not Quite Brothers
Oct. 3: Pork Tornadoes

First Midwest Walk for FTD

On Saturday, Sept. 19, families from across Iowa and the Midwest will gather at Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston, for the first-ever Walk for FTD Des Moines Area — A New Path. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., the program starts at 10:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 11 a.m. Mayor Paula Dierenfeld will have signed a proclamation recognizing and declaring National FTD Awareness Week, Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, and it will be celebrated during the walk festivities. FTD stands for frontotemporal dementia, a group of rare brain disorders that mainly affects behavior, personality, language and movement rather than memory, and it usually strikes people at a younger age (between 40 and 65) than other types of dementia.

Johnston receives $500,000 grant

On Aug. 3, the city of Johnston celebrated the announcement of a $500,000 Community Project Funding grant for the future Highway 141 / N.W. Towner Drive Interchange project.

The grant marks an important milestone for a project that will improve safety, enhance mobility, strengthen regional connectivity and support Johnston's continued growth. Federal, state and local partners, project team members and community leaders joined city officials to celebrate this exciting investment in Johnston's future.

USS Iowa crew members at Military Museum

Crew members of the USS Iowa SSN 797 will be at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston, on Aug. 18. A meet and greet with light refreshments will be held at 2 p.m. followed by crew member introductions and acknowledgments at 2:20 p.m. Learn about life on a submarine and discover the fascinating history of the USS Iowa during the 2:30 p.m. open forum, followed by questions and answers at 3 p.m. and museum tour at 3:15 p.m. led by a curator of the museum.

Johnston Farmers Market

The 2026 Johnston Farmers Market is underway. Every Tuesday until Sept. 29, 4-7 p.m,
Johnston Town Center, 6221 Merle Hay Road. Sales begin promptly at 4 p.m., and live performances from several local musicians truly make the market the place to be.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Monday, Aug. 17: City Council Work Session, 6 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 17: City Council Meeting, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 20: Library Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 20: Board of Adjustments Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming in Johnston Living magazine

Home improvement: Have you undertaken a renovation that has transformed a room — or more — in your house? Whether you have modernized a bathroom or kitchen or given an entire story much needed updates that make you smile whenever you see the new look, we want to hear from you. Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com.

Events at Johnston Public Library

If you are feeling inspired by all the flowers in bloom, join us for Homemade-ish: Felt Flower Bookmarks on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 10:30 a.m. and create a handmade bookmark you can enjoy all year long. Using felt and other provided supplies, you will craft a beautiful bookmark perfect for keeping your place in your current read. Registration is required.

Have you been participating in JPL’s Ultimate Reading Challenge and want to exchange opinions, suggestions and even books? Then drop by the Ultimate Reading Challenge Meet-Up: Leather Stamping any time between 6 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19. In addition to socializing with other readers, you can stamp a design onto a leather bookmark or keychain or bring a leather item of your choice to personalize. You can also bring any books you are ready to pass along and take home something new to read.

Take a break from the heat and back-to-school rush and sign up for the Adult Puzzle Competition on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Teams will race to complete a 500-piece puzzle in 90 minutes. The first to finish wins a prize, but all teams will go home with a puzzle perfect for library lovers. Register your team of family and friends ages 16 and older to join the fun.

More information about events and resources at the Johnston Public Library is available at www.johnstonlibrary.com or by calling 515-278-5233.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Autumn at the Amphitheater
Sunday evenings, 5-7 p.m.
Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, 4100 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
Unwind in a picturesque natural setting while listening to talented local musicians. Food trucks will be available and guests are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets, blankets, family and friends. Admission is free. The lineup includes:

Aug. 16: Nola Jazz Band
Aug. 23: Day Ashworth
Aug. 30: Andrew Hoyt
Sept. 6: The Carousel
Sept. 13: The Juan and Only
Sept. 20: Joshua Sinclair
Sept. 27: The Lamplighters
Oct. 4: Weary Ramblers
Oct. 11: Standing Hampton.

Shrimp and Bingo!
Saturday, Aug. 29, 5:30-9 p.m.
FFA Enrichment Center, 1055 S.W. Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny
A Shrimp and Bingo Scholarship Fundraiser will be held to support scholarships for the DMACC Water Environmental Technology Program. Casual dinner, bingo games, raffles and more. Proceeds from the event benefit programs and initiatives that help remove barriers for students and strengthen access to education, workforce training and student support services. Cost is $100. Register at www.dmacc.edu/foundation/bingo.html.

Craft for Paws: Painting with a Twist
Sunday, Aug. 30, 2-5 p.m.
Painting with a Twist, 3743 86th St., Urbandale
Join the ARL at Painting with a Twist for a creative evening benefiting animals in need. Paint your own one-of-a-kind pet portrait, while enjoying a fun, relaxed atmosphere surrounded by fellow animal lovers. Once you are done, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a Pink Poodle strawberry lemonade and champagne cocktail (available to participants 21 and older) or strawberry lemonade and snuggle with adorable, adoptable kittens. Buy tickets at https://arl-iowa.org/event/events/craft-for-paws-august/.

Stargazing nights at Simpson College 
Last Friday of every month after dusk 
Blank Performing Arts Center parking lot, corner of D Street and Detroit Avenue, Indianola 
Join for stargazing on the last Friday of each month after dusk. Event is canceled if it rains.

Heartland For Kids benefit concert for Mary’s Meals
Thursday, Aug. 27, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Heartland For Kids presents a benefit concert for Mary’s Meals. Enjoy a family-fun evening with Nashville musicians Phoenix Mendoza, Josh Leo and Kitty Steadman. Any monetary donation will help the world's most vulnerable children receive an education and provide them with enough to eat. Fun activities will be available for the kids. Food, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, will be available for a free will donation. To donate online, visit www.marysmealsusa.org.

Levitt AMP Earlham Music Series
Sunday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m.
Earlham City Park, Earlham
Music: XOLEX, Bone People. Food trucks: Hotel Luna, Snappy’s BBQ, Pho Wheels and Sushi, Street Sweets.

World Food and Music Festival
Friday, Aug. 28, to Sunday, Aug. 30
Downtown Des Moines
The free three-day festival will feature food from local vendors representing countries from around the world. Headlining Main Stage performances include The Pork Tornadoes on Friday, Aug. 28, and Parranderos Latin Combo on Saturday, Aug. 29. A highlight of this year’s festival will be a naturalization ceremony where approximately 50-60 individuals will become United States citizens.

In addition to food and music, festival-goers can enjoy live entertainment on the Cultural Stage, cooking demonstrations in the Culinary Discovery Pavilion and cultural activities in the Cultural Activity Pavilion, along with a Fruit Adventure, the Veridian Activity Zone, Spark DSM Vendors, global beverages and interactive experiences throughout the festival grounds. Festival hours are: Friday, Aug. 28, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 29, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nutrition without skimping on flavor

(Feature Impact) In busy seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes that offer nutritional balance and don't skimp on flavor. By using pre-seasoned Minute Rice Cups — like the new Veggie Stir-Fry — you can enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait. You can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in one minute. You won't even have to pull out the rice cooker or go scrounging in the spice cabinet.

To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Savor the umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings are what give this recipe its deconstructed egg roll vibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together in just 20 minutes.

For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is moving quickly, visit MinuteRice.com.

Egg Roll in a Bowl
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1 Minute Veggie Stir-Fry Rice Cup
1/2 pound ground turkey or pork
1 cup coleslaw mix
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 cup fried wonton strips
2 tablespoons sweet and sour sauce

Directions:

Heat rice according to package directions.
In large pan, cook meat over medium heat 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
Add coleslaw, garlic, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil to pan. Cook 8 minutes, or until coleslaw is softened. Add rice during final 4 minutes.
Top with wonton strips, drizzle sweet and sour sauce and serve.
Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas or green onions. For extra spice, drizzle on sriracha or hot sauce of choice.

FOR SALE: 2007 21’ LOWE SUNCRUISER BIMINI 214 PONTOON BOAT. Great for family lake days, fishing fun or evening sunset cruises. 50 hp Mercury 2-stroke outboard. 55 LB Thrust Minn Kota trolling motor. Shoreland’r trailer with recently replaced bumpers and tires. Lowrance depth and fish finder. Front trolling motor (with foot pedal) and mount included. Built-in tackle storage and “live well.” Lots of storage and accommodates 12 people. Three life jackets and three buoys. Newer Boss Bluetooth radio. Recently serviced by Lake Panorama Marine and ready for the water. Recent maintenance includes new spark plugs, fuel filter, primer bulb, fuel line, water pump and impeller kit. New stern light installed. $12,000/best offer. Call Tom Woody 515-778-1231.

WANTED: Stereo and electronic radio stuff, receivers, speakers, guitar amp, etc. Any age or condition is OK. Call 515-238-3343.

DECLUTTERING & ORGANIZING SERVICES – FIND YOUR PEACE: Overwhelmed by clutter? Let me help you create a calm, organized home for a healthier, happier living space. Services include home organization, decluttering, and tailored packages. Call Jennifer at (515) 991-2511 to book your consultation!

From your Johnston Living magazine

This month's cover story:

CAPTURING THE MOMENT

Local photographers find beauty in everyday life and unexpected places

For some, photography is a way to preserve memories. Others find it a creative outlet or even an adventure into the unknown. For three local photographers, it is all of that and more. From capturing everyday moments to embracing the beauty of the ordinary, each has found a unique perspective through the lens.

[...]

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